PUBLIC INFORMATION ON CHOLERA OUTBREAK IN MACHINGA AND ZOMBA DISTRICTS
Ministry of Health

The Ministry of Health would like to inform the general public that it has received reports of a Cholera Outbreak in Machinga and Zomba Districts. By 25th December, 2015, Machinga district reported a cumulative total of 19 cholera cases and one death while Zomba district had reported 7 cholera cases and no death. All these cholera cases are from Lake Chilwa area.
The Ministry would therefore like to remind the general public to practise personal hygiene measures at all times. Cholera can be prevented by: proper use of latrines; washing hands with soap after visiting the toilet, before handling food, before eating food and after changing babies nappies; drinking or using safe treated water (or boiled water) all the time and practising food hygiene. The general public is also being reminded to wash fruits such as mangos before eating them. We call upon every person that they should go to the nearest hospital or health facility early if they get sick or develop diarrhoea.
The Ministry of Health is doing everything possible to control the cholera outbreak. Health workers in all the health facilities are ready to help and treat any member of the community. Medical supplies for cholera treatment are available in all health facilities. Chlorine for water treatment is also being distributed in the communities by Health Surveillance Assistants.
For more information, please contact
MoH Public Relations Officer, Mr. A. Chikumbe on 0999952251, achikumbe@yahoo.com
The Director of Preventive Health Services, Dr Storn Kabuluzi on email: skabuluzi@yahoo.com
The Head of the Epidemiology Unit of MoH, Dr. Kagoli on E-mail: mkagoli@yahoo.com
[SIGNED]
M.P. Magwira, PhD
SECRETARY FOR HEALTH